A sequel to Culture Clash
Author: Kyoko_godaikun aka sentaikat
Pairing: JunDa Shota/Ohkura
Genre: A/U
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own Kat-Tun. Wish I did. But I do own the concepts of the
Gotsu Empire and the Miyagi Empire.
Note: This takes place in the far future.
Note 2: this is simply a love story with no war.
Note 3: This story is weird.

Summary: Junno plans to get married. But Shikayko arrives to demand his
return to Gotsu. Plus Shikayko's husbands want freedom for themselves.

Shota and his six brothers had lived a special life. As nephews of the
Empress of Miyagi, they had the best in everything, the best education, and the
best trips. Every thing had been wonderful in their lives. Their parents, the
Empress's brother and his wife had taken their sons on their annual tour of the
Empire. To see that the empire wasn't one of just Miyagi Prime. But one of a
vast, rich culture that they would spend their lives serving.

They had been princes once. Princes that was free. But that was before,
before their ship had been captured by a Gotsu war ship. Their pleasure cruiser
had ventured into Gotsu space by accident. Their captor was thrilled when they
were caught. Spoils of war she called them. Though Miyagi weren't at war with
Gotsu.

Everyone on the ship had been released, except for the seven princes.
Their captors quickly put them into two groups. One with Uchi, Koichi and
Junichi, the second with Hina, Ryo, Subaru and Shota. Their captor called the
groups units. They would now have to consider themselves co-husbands. Then
Shikayko picked the larger unit. She tortured them into agreeing to marry her.
Even though the oldest of the unit was barely fourteen.

The smaller group had an honor that they didn't consider an honor. They
where co-husbands of the Empress of Gotsu. They to were young, but they would
grow and learn to appreciate being the one of many husbands.

Shota remembered the happy days. Before, their capture. He could remember
the freedom, when they didn't have to live in the men's quarters. Shota could
still remember, though he told his wife he couldn't remember. He loved Gotsu he
told her. They all told her that. She didn't hurt them as much when they told
her that.

When they were alone, in their unit's bedroom, they whispered to each
other. They were Miyagi. They would always be Miyagi.

Their lives had grown worse since their brother Uchi had committed what
the Gotsu had considered treason. He had simply fallen in love. Then, as Gotsu
tradition stated, all three brothers in the unit were executed.

But still Shota dreamed, of his home. He never thought he would see it
again, until the day that his wife, Shikayko was ordered to go to Miyagi and
get her brothers back. They were getting married, to men. She decided that she
would bring her favorite units with her. Not caring that one unit was born
under the suns of Miyagi. For she had guards, and she would make sure they
didn't escape.

The unitís whisperings changed. They wanted to go home. To defect.

***************

A year passed since Ueda had asked Junno to marry him. It was a long
engagement. The Empress wanted to wait until the time was right before the pair
did get married. Ueda was going to be Emperor some day. That meant that Junno
would also be the Emperor Regent. The Empress wanted to make sure that the
lovers were absolutely sure that they wanted to get married.

Junno wished that he could have the kind of wedding his brother Koki had.
It had been a simple ceremony. It wasn't shown on the public broadcasts. But Junno
was marrying the crown prince. The ceremony had to be a big one. The date had
been set. Everything was in place.

Still, Junno wasn't expecting his sister, Crown Princess Shikayko to be
sent to Miyagi Prime on a diplomatic mission. Not only that, but she sent
flimsy after flimsy to Junno demanding that they see each other. The last told
Junno he was being recalled. He would be forced to return to his home system.
His dream wouldn't come true. He would never be able to marry Ueda.

Junno couldn't even talk to Ueda about it. Ueda being Crown Prince had to
attend all the meetings with Shikayko. He hated the thought of his wonderful
prince spending time with Shikayko.

He also couldn't discuss it with his unit. He didn't want his brothers to
worry about his orders. They would insist on returning to Gotsu with him. Junno
had to give them their freedom.

It was hard for Junno to make up his mind. He didn't want to leave Ueda.
His beautiful prince. The one who had taught him what real love was. His heart
still flipped every time he looked at Ueda. All he wanted was to spend the rest
of his life on Miyagi. He felt Miyagi, not Gotsu. To save his new home, he
would have to leave.

The tears came, and Junno didn't fight them. Instead, he sat on the couch
and sobbed.

Finally Ueda returned to their quarters from yet another young meeting.
He saw the distressed look on his finance's face. "Suke, what's
wrong."

"Shikayko's ordered me to her quarters." Junno finally told
him.

"You're going to tell her no, aren't you?" Ueda was the more
logical member of their partnership. When Junno panicked, Ueda was his rock,
always calming him down.

"I don't have the choice." He looked at Ueda. "Do you know
why she's here?"

"She's asked for you to be deported back to Gotsu."

Junno tried to fight the tears that tried to overcome everything. "I
don't want to go."

"If you don't want to go, why would you have to?"

"Gotsu law states that the Empress can recall me any time she wants
to." Junno passed Ueda a flimsy. "This was delivered to me about an
hour ago."

"Do you want me to go to my mother?" Ueda asked. "See if
she'll give you citizenship? That way, they can't force you to leave."

"Why would you do that?"

"Because no matter what she says, I am still your fiancťe."

"My mother says Gotsu will invade." Junno reminded him. "I
cannot be responsible for the start of a war."

"The Empress of Gotsu is lying. She won't invade." Ueda told
him. "The Empress threatened to invade when Masa married."

"What happens if they do invade?"

"Then we will fight back." Ueda said firmly.

"No, my beloved." he made up his mind. "I'm going to the
empress, I'll tell her I give into the demands."

"You can't."

"My life isn't worth the millions of people that will die in the
war." Junno reached out, touching Ueda's cheek. "My only regret will
be leaving you, my prince."

"Your mother will have you killed." Ueda said firmly.

"I know," Junno looked away from him; he couldn't let his
prince see his tears. "It's a sacrifice I'll have to make."

"One more time." Ueda kissed Junno's lips. "I can't give
you up without us loving one last time."

"Yes, I would like that very much." Junno kissed Ueda back. His
prince, his love.

Ueda pulled away from him and led Junno to the bedroom. Then one last
time, Ueda made love to his finance Junno.

***********************

In an ironic twist of fate, the Crown Princess of Gotsu and her husbands
had been put in quarters that had originally belonged to Shota's family. It
felt strange having to serve the woman he hated more then anything in a place
that he considered home.

Shota had been sent for. Shikayko was tired from the long day of
negotiations. She wanted to relax. The best way she believed in relaxing was
with her husbands.

"Do you want to stay here?" Shikayko purred to Shota. They
where sitting on a couch in her bedroom.

"Why would I want to stay here?" Shota asked her. He knew this
level of questioning was dangerous. It was always dangerous around his wife.

"You where born on Miyagi," She reminded him.

"Was I?" Shota pretended ignorance. "I've forgotten."

"What about your unit?"

"We are all Gotsu," Shota told her. "Why would we want to
stay here when we have a home all ready?"

Shikayko seemed pleased. "How old were you when we married?"

"Eleven my love." Shota told him.

"How old were you brothers when we married?"

"Subaru had just turned fourteen, Hina was thirteen." He said
by rote. "Ryo was ten."

"Your unit is getting old, too old for my tastes." She told
him. "Perhaps it would be best if I gave you to my mother."

"Please don't," Shota knew what this line of questioning meant.
If Shota agreed with her, he would be tortured. "We love you so
much."

"How old are you?"

"I'm twenty one, beloved."

"You're next birthday is in a few weeks isn't it?" She
demanded. "You know what happens when you turn twenty-two?"

"Yes, beloved." Shota said sadly. Twenty-two, the magic age.
When the youngest of a unit turned twenty-two, Shikayko always had a
celebration. For when a unit grew too old, Shikayko would give them as presents
to others.

There was a tap at the door. Shota went and got it. It was Ohkura. Their
eyes met briefly. Ohkura's eyes full of regret. Then Shota went back to the
couch and sat down.

Ohkura came into the room and bowed. "I am here at your pleasure
beloved."

"What a good boy." Shikayko purred. "But Shota has not
been a good boy. We need to punish him."

Shota watched for Ohkura's reaction. If he didn't respond right, she
might figure out their secret. The secret that would mean the death of both of
them.

"It is the wife's right to punish her husbands." Ohkura said by
rote.

"Since I own Shota, he is going to feel my wrath." Shikayko
spat. "I want to punish him before the thought that Miyagi is his home
enters his mind."

Shikayko was going to torture Shota, not because he had been bad, but
because of acts that he might commit. Shota knew that was an excuse. Torture
turned on his wife.

Shota wanted to run away, to hide from Shikayko. He could remember good
hiding spots in the castle. Places where she would never find him. But he knew
what would happen if he ran away. Ohkura would be punished in his place. Shota
took off his clothes and got on the bed on his stomach. The restraints were all
ready on the headboard. He could feel his lover putting the restraints on him.

Then Shota closed his eyes. If he didn't look, he could pretend it wasn't
Ohkura doing these things to him. But he didn't hate Ohkura for hurting him. He
hated Shikayko.

The portable torture devices were attached to Shoat's back. Then with a
flick of a switch, the pain began. Shota bit the pillow beneath him as hard as
he could. He wouldn't give Shikayko the satisfaction of hearing his cries of
pain.

*****************************

They met in secret. They had to. It was treason for them to be together.
Every minute together a golden treasure.

Ohkura had never been a prince. Just the son of the president of a border
planet. Shikayko had come one day, with her fleet of invasion ships. His father
had been given the choice. Give three of your sons to Shikayko, or the planet
would be invaded. To save his planet, Ohkura's father had given up his
children. As soon as they got back to Gotsu Prime, the three boys, Ohkura being
only nine had been married to Shikayko.

Ohkura went into the bathroom. He was wearing only a robe. He was
planning to take a shower. Shikayko's guards didn't care if he showered. He
wasn't too sure if his lover would come this time. She had hurt Shota badly.
Not for anything he had done, but because she got a thrill out of it.

A few minutes later someone from a different unit came into the bathroom.
He didn't look at Ohkura, just went to the shower and turned it on. He moved as
if his body hurt all over.

Ohkura went behind Shota. Then touched his shoulder. Shota turned in his
arms. Then Shota looked up to him. His both of his eyes were bruised. All of
Shikaykoís husbands had bruises. Their wife enjoyed hurting her husbands. But
this time it had been different. It had been Ohkura's hands that hurt the one
he loved.

Ohkura reached out, touching Shota's cheek. "I'm sorry."

"It wasn't your fault, it was hers." Shota told him.

"But..."

"We both know what would happen if you had refused." Shota told
him. "Our wife likes her husbands young. If we don't do as she asks,
she'll give us to the empress. We have to do what she says; I have a birthday coming
up."

"You're right," Ohkura told him. Both knew that Shikayko
usually gave away her husbands when the youngest of a unit turned twenty two.
Shota would be twenty two in less then a month.

"I've heard of people who've defected to Miyagi," Shota said
softly. "Let's defect. We could be together."

"We'll all defect," Shota decided. "I grew up in this
castle. I know I can find a way out of here."

"How?"

"That's a secret," Shota smiled. He looked so hopeful that
Ohkura decided to believe him.

Then Shota pulled Ohkura's head down to meet him. Then he kissed him, his
hunger great in his kiss. Ohkura sighed and put his arms around Shota.

They loved each other, really loved each other. A forbidden love.

They both knew what would happen if they where caught. They had seen what
happened to the Empress's husband Uchi, who had fallen in love with Maru the
Empresses son. Uchi had died slowly. Maru had been sentenced to a life of
insanity.

They both knew the risks, but still they loved. They couldn't help love
each other.

They where on Miyagi, because their wife was on a diplomatic trip. A
place where both had dreamed of freedom.

But still, the two lovers were forbidden. Still, they loved each other in
the showers. They needed each others touch. To prove to themselves that they
weren't just concubines.

****************************

Junno called a unit meeting. He knew he should have called one earlier,
but he had to make the choice of giving himself up on his own. Maru was easy to
find, he worked in the castles security along sides his new husband Koki.

Finally Jin showed up. Jin was now a busy man, going to university and
also working designing sim games. The brothers spent little time together
because of Jin's hectic schedule.

"What's wrong little brother?" Maru asked.

"A few hours ago, Shikayko sent me a message." He passed the flimsy
to Maru. "Our mother is ordering my return to Gotsu. If I'm not returned,
Gotsu will invade Miyagi."

"What about us? Is she ordering our return?" Jin asked.

"No, just mine for now." Junno said. "But I am afraid she
will come for you if I'm not given up."

"So you're going to go?" Jin asked. "Shouldn't that be a
unit decision?"

"Well, that is why I called this meeting." Junno pointed out.

"I say to hell with Shikayko." Jin told the two brothers.
"Stay here, show her whose boss."

"In this Empire, the Empresses children always fight in the space
fleet during war." Maru told him. "On the front lines."

"That would put Kame in danger." Jin guessed. "Ueda
too."

"If there was any way to stay, I would." Junno told him.

"But you can't," Jin realized. "When are you to give
yourself up?"

"As soon as the Empress finishes talking with Shikayko." Junno
said.

This would be the last time the three brothers would be a unit. Maru was
the first that went to Junno, putting his arms around him. "No matter what
happens, you will always be my brother."

"Someday we'll get you back," Jin promised, before he too put
his arms around his brother.

"Some day Ueda will fall in love again," It hurt Junno to say
it. "You two will have to give him your blessing. Tell him it's what I
want. I don't want him alone forever."

"We'll take care of Ueda for you." Jin promised.

The tears that Junno had been holding in finally came. But his brothers
were there, supporting him. He would miss his brothers, but for the good of
everyone, he would have to give himself up.

**********************************

After yet another meeting with Shikayko, the Empress called for them.
Junno couldn't help but watch his fiancťe. His heart still went doki doki every
time Ueda came into a room. They had been together only a year. Only a year of
freedom and of love.

"What bothers you my sons?" the Empress asked.

"The Empress of the Gotsu has recalled Prince Junnosuke." Ueda
explained. "She has also said she will invade if we marry."

"Yes, I have talked to your Crown Princess Shikayko about the
demands." The Empress looked at Junno. "What do you think about
this?"

"To save the peace, I must return to The Gotsu Empire." Junno
told her.

"My child, I appreciate your choice, but I cannot allow you to
return to Gotsu." The Empress decided.

"If the Gotsun's invade, millions of Gotsunís and Miyagi will
die." Junno tried to reason. "I cannot have their deaths on my
conscious."

Junno looked at his lover. Even though he was very nervous, he couldn't
help but smile at Ueda.

They waited in silence. Then the Empress printed out the formal flimsy.

"Come read this." The Empress ordered.

Ueda went to her and took the paper. He read it, and then passed it to
Junno. He read the contract. As he had promised, he gave up all his Gotsu titles
and citizenship. It also gave him Miyagi citizenship.

"Would you be willing to sign the contract?" The Empress asked.

"Yes, your Majesty." Junno signed his name to it. Now he was no
longer a prince, simply a commoner. But he was free from the male laws of
Gotsu.

*********************************

Home, this planet was home. Shota kept reminding himself. He had been
assigned his old bedroom. He didn't want to go to sleep. Instead, he just lay
in bed. Ryo and Subaru had been called to entertain Shikayko.

"What's wrong?" Hina asked. He was the brother that Shota could
always tell his problems to.

"Why did they have to give us this room?"

"Itís just a room." Hina told him.

"It didn't used to be just a room." Shota reminded him.
"It used to be my room. Remember? I shared it with Ryo and Uchi."

"That was a very long time ago."

"Don't you remember?" Shota persisted. Hina never talked about
the days before they had been taken by Shikayko. It was almost like they didn't
exist.

"Of course I remember," Hina said hoarsely. "Just like I
remember that bitch is using our parentís room."

"I wish our parents where here," Shota said. "Do you think
they live on this planet? Father did tell us he was going to be assigned to a
border planet. Do you think he's on Cygnus?"

"No one told you," Hina realized.

"Told me what?" Shota demanded.

"You think our parents are alive." Hina guessed.

"They are aren't they?" When Hina didn't answer, Shota realized
the truth. "When did they die?"

"They where killed while the cruiser was being held by the Gotsu.
Shikayko asked them to give us up. She said they would be allowed to leave in
peace." Shingo told him. "But our parents refused. They said they
would die before they would give us up."

"How do you know she killed them?"

"I was there,"" Hina told him. "She made us older
ones watch. We decided that we wouldn't tell you. The three of you were so
close to mother."

"I understand," Shota told him.

Shota turned towards the wall. He began to cry for his parents. All this
time he hoped they where alive, that they would someday save him. Then he could
be free. But he would never be free.

He felt Hina's hands on him, turning him. Then his brother took him in
his arms. "We'll get out of here." Hina promised. "We'll bring
Ohkura with us, and the two of you will together forever." Shota couldn't
hear the hope in his voice. The news of his parents deaths blocked out
everything. Instead he sobbed for his parents.

********************

Finally, Ueda was finished with his conferences with Shikayko. It was
late when he returned to the quarters he shared with Junno. The meetings with
Shikayko had run late again. All she was doing on Miyagi was renewing trade
agreements, something that should be easy. But Shikayko had a way of arguing
over every line in the contract. So what should be just a formality took
forever.

Ueda was surprised to see that Junno was still awake. He was playing a
holo game. He was also wearing a Ueda's black kimono. When he saw Ueda, he turned
off the holo game.

"Welcome home," Junno got to his feet, he went to Ueda.
"Long day?"

"The longest," Ueda agreed. "Why can't your sister just
shut up and sign the contracts?"

"Because that's the way she is." Junno shrugged. "She
likes to argue just to argue."

"You're free," Ueda put his arms around Junno. "She canít'
take you back."

"I'm Miyagi now," Junno held him tightly. "I'm
yours."

"Did you ever tell your brothers about Shikayko's ultimatum?"

"They understood my choice." Junno told him. "Of course,
now their happy because I donít' have to return."

"When Shikayko finally leaves, let's get married right away."
Ueda kissed him gently.

"All right, let's." Junno agreed.

"Mother's changed her mind about the big ceremony." Ueda's hand
unfastened Junno's obi. Then he pushed the kimono over Junno's shoulders.
"She says we can get married in the garden."

"Good, I hate formal ceremonies." Junno let his robe fall to
the ground.

Junno took Ueda's hand and lead him to the bedroom. He lay on the bed,
his body beautiful as he waited for Ueda to undress.

Ueda undressed quickly, and then got on the bed with Junno. After Junno
decided to return to Gotsu, he knew they would never be together again. But
things had changed. Junno was Miyagi. He couldn't be taken away from Ueda.

"What is it?" Junno asked concerned.

"I was just thinking of how lucky I am to have you." Ueda
smiled at his lover.

"No my prince, I am the lucky one." With that, Junno was
kissing his lips. Then he pulled Ueda on top of him, and the two celebrated
their love.

***************

"Are you awake?" Hina asked Shota.

Shota pretended to be asleep. He knew that Hina too needed sleep. But
instead of falling asleep, Hina slipped out of bed. He opened the door that
separated their room from the other units.

Someone joined him at the door. He put his arms around Hina, kissing him
deeply. In the darkness Shota couldn't see who it was. The fact that Hina was
with someone hit Shota like a brick. He was so close to his brother, but he
hadn't been trusted enough to be told that Hina too had a lover.

"We have to be careful," The voice was Yoko's. "Your
brother might tell on us."

"It's all right, youíre safe." He took Yoko's hand, and then
led him to the fireplace. He reached behind it and flicked a switch, a door
swung open. "We can love in here, no one will find us."

"Can we get out?"

"Of course, my brothers and I used to play in the tunnels when we
where children," Hina told him. They went into the tunnels and shut the
door.

The tunnels, why hadn't Shota thought of the tunnels? They could escape
through the tunnels. They could find some place safe. Perhaps even find the
empress. She had been Shota's favorite aunt. She would give them sanctuary.

***********************

It was very early when Shota got up. All three of his brothers were back
in bed. Ryo had fresh bruises on him. Free, if only they could get free. His
brothers would no longer have to suffer. They wouldn't be sent away when Shota
turned twenty two. Shota wasn't the youngest in their unit, but Shikayko had
already voiced her displease in the unit. She wanted fresh new husbands, and
Shota's unit would have to go.

It was still dark outside. He opened the door that separated the two
rooms, if Ohkura woke up, he would see the signal. But he knew it was probably
too early.

He put on his robe and went to the showers. He turned on one, and got
under the water. He stepped under the warm water, letting it take him away.

Today had to be the day they escaped. He thought of the way they could
get away, the tunnels. But where could they go once they entered the tunnels.
They would have to be very careful. He knew what would happen if they got
caught.

He was concentrating so hard that he jumped when someone touched him on
the shoulder.

"It's all right, itís me." Ohkura told him. "Why are you
up so early?"

"I'm making plans," Shota told him. "How would you like to
be free?"

"It's just a dream." Ohkura told him. "I can't return to
my home planet. My father will just give me back to Shikayko."

"What about if we stayed on Miyagi?"

"It's not my home," Ohkura reminded him.

"Any place would be my home if you are there." Shota told him.

"But we can't get away," Ohkura told him. 'The guards watch
us."

"Can't we dream?"

"We can always dream." Ohkura kissed his lips. "Dreams are
the only thing that keeps me going every day."

Their love making was quick this time. It had to be, at any time the
guards would come in to wake them up. There was even a chance that Shikayko
would want to eat breakfast with one of her co-husbands. As they loved, all
Shota could think of was freedom. Perhaps next time they were together, they
would be free.

*************************

Ueda woke; Junno was all ready working at his desk. He was playing a
newscast on the vid screen. It was the same clip, played over and over. The
clip was about the arrival of Crown Princess Shikayko at Gotsu Prime. Ueda
wondered what on earth was so fascinating about her arrival.

Junno was wearing Ueda's black kimono. Ueda had to admit that his fiancťe
looked better in it then he did.

Ueda put on his robe; he went being Junno and put his arms around his
shoulders from behind. "Good morning my love."

"Good morning," Junno turned in his arms and kissed his lips
gently. "Have a good sleep."

"I had a wonderful sleep," He admitted. "What are you
doing?"

"I'm trying to see if there is a clear shot of Shikayko's
husbands." Junno tried to explain. "I can't find one."

"What does that matter?" Ueda asked. "They only came here
for her off hourís entertainment."

"Have you seen Shikayko's husbands?" Junno asked.

"Once, why?"

"I just wondered what units she brought." Junno mused.

"There's a unit with three about our age, and a unit of four."
Ueda tried to kiss Junno again. He wanted to get Junno from thinking of Gotsu,
and to start thinking of the two of them together.

"A unit with four members?" Junno pulled away from Ueda.
"Are you sure of that?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Shikayko has a unit of four husbands," Junno began. "They
where born on Miyagi."

"Miyagi!" Ueda gasped. "Are you sure?"

"I'm positive." Junno continued. "They were on a cruse
ship that strayed into Gotsu space. There were seven brothers in all. But three
were put in one unit and given to my mother. The other four Shikayko took. But
they used to be princes of Miyagi."

The news hit Ueda like a tidal wave. He used to have an uncle that had
seven sons. All of them had been killed when their ship was boarded by Gotsu
raiders. At least that was what the official story was. The bodies of his uncle
and aunt had been returned to Miyagi. But not the bodies of the sons. Could some
of Shikayko's husbands be in reality kidnap victims?

"Maru's lover was named Uchi," Ueda gasped. "I had a
cousin named Uchi. I should have realized."

"Uchi was Miyagi."

"The names of the ones in the Miyagi unit, what are they?" Ueda
asked. "It's very important."

"Shota, Ryo, Subaru and Hina."

"I didn't have a cousin named Hina." Ueda said disappointed.

"Hina's name used to be Shingo," Junno tried to explain.
"My mother's chief husband is named Shingo, so Shikayko changed his name
to Hina."

"I think they are my cousins." Ueda decided. "I have to
tell mother. We might be able to rescue them."

Ueda went to the communicator; he made an emergency call to the Empress.
Telling her about his suspicions. If the unit was really his cousins, they
would have to find a way to help them get free. After all, Miyagi was their
home.

******************

Defection, the word seemed so simple. But they had to get out. They
waited until Shikayko had left to talk to the empress again.

Shota went to the fireplace, the lever was still there. He touched it,
and the door opened. He stepped inside. It wasn't just a storage room; it was a
tunnel that stretched out in front of him. Then quickly, he shut the door.

His other three brothers were still asleep. He went to Ryo, shaking him.
"Ryo get up!"

"No, I'm tired." Ryo turned over and feel asleep. He had just
come in from his evening with Shikayko.

Next he tried Subaru with the same results. Subaru had rope burns on his
arms and wrists. That meant that Shikayko had tied him with ropes.

So he tried Hina, who had gotten good nights sleep.

Hina looked at him, his eyes still half open. "What's wrong?"

"We have to get out of here," Shota told him. "We need to
escape."

"We can't."

"Hina," Shota said excited. "Remember the passages we used
to play in?"

"There are no passages."

"Yes there is!" Shota told him. "You know, the place you
had sex with Yoko last night?"

That made Hina sit up, he clamped his hand over Shota's mouth. "How
did you know about that?"

Shota tried to answer, but he couldn't. Not with the hand over his mouth.
He pulled on Hina's hand. Hina got the hint, and moved it.

"How can we do that?' Hina asked skeptically. "She'll be coming
for one of us."

"Shikayko's will be gone all day." Shota reminded him.
"This is our chance."

"What about the other unit?"

"We'll take them with us." Shota told him.

"That's too many people." Hina told him.

"No it isn't." Shota said firmly. "She'll kill them if we
don't take them."

Hina got up; he quickly pulled on his clothes. "We have to wake
everyone up. Then all of us will make the decision."

*****************************

Ohkura hadnít' fallen asleep after his encounter with Shota. His lover,
so full of hope. He had talked about his dreams again, of being free together.
Shota was such a dreamer. Both knew that they wouldn't ever be free, but still
Shota hoped. Shota's enthusiasm was enough to make Ohkura feel the way his
lover did, at least when they where together. When they were apart, reality set
in. They where one step above slave. They would never get their freedom.

Ohkura could hear noise coming from the other room. That just meant that
the other unit was awake. He tried to ignore the noise. He could hear Shota
talking, not the words, but he was so excited, talking a kilometer a minute.

The door between the rooms opened. Subaru came to the door. Then he went
to the bed Ohkura's unit slept in.

'This is an emergency. Can you wake up?" Subaru shook Maruyama.

Still sleeping, Maruyama grabbed Subaru's hand; he tried to pull him down
to the bed. "Come back to bed baby."

"Stop playing around!" Subaru snapped. "I mean it; we have
to get everyone up!"

"I'm all ready awake," Ohkura admitted.

"So am I," Yoko said.

"You guys get dressed, and come to our room." Subaru ordered.
Then he left.

"What was that about?" Yoko asked.

"I don't know." Ohkura looked Maruyama up and down. "You
and Subaru?"

"Perhaps," Maruyama blushed so deeply that Ohkura knew they had
to be together.

The three brothers got dressed and went into the other unit's room. The
other unit looked very, very serious. They sat on the bed together. Subaru
gestured to the couch and all three sat down. Ohkura looked at Shota. His
friend looked him in the eye for a brief moment, and then smiled.

"How would you like your freedom?" Subaru asked.

"You know we can't have that." Maruyama told them.
"Freedom is just a dream. It can't really happen."

"Men aren't allowed to be free." Yoko reminded them. "We
have to forget what we where before, and concentrate on what we have now."

"Do you remember the legend about the passages in this place?"
Shota asked.

"Yeah, they don't exist." Maruyama told him.

"I found one." Shota looked at Ohkura. "We can be
free."

Freedom, their dream. Ohkura came to a decision. He was going to meet his
fate with his lover, no matter what happened. Ohkura got up, he went towards
Shota.

"I can no longer live a lie." Ohkura said. "Meeting in
secret. Hiding my love away from everyone. Not being able to talk to him in
case anyone finds out."

"You've fallen in love again," Yoko sighed. "Who is it
this time?"

"I have the chance to live with him." Ohkura said almost
heartbroken. "You can't understand what it's like. To love, to really
love, but not being able to love back. Terrified that you will be found out.Ē

Yoko looked very troubled. Finally, he said. "Are you coming
Hina?"

"All four of us are going," Hina told him.

Yoko did something that Ohkura didnít' expect. He went to the bed and sat
beside Hina. Then he whispered into Hina's ear. Hina nodded yes. Hina took
Yoko's hand. Then he brought Yoko's hand to his lips, running them over the
fingers.

"I'm coming with you." Yoko looked at Maruyama. "What
about you?"

"I'm coming," Maruyama decided.

"Ohkura, are you coming?" Shota asked his eyes so wide, so
innocent.

A chance, Ohkura realized. Finally he was going to be able to have a
chance to be with Shota. Ohkura went to Shota's side. His lover looked at him,
hope in his eyes. There was only one answer Ohkura could give. "Yes, I'll
escape with you."

*****************************

"The Empress of Gotsu demands the return of her sons." Shikayko
told The Empress of Miyagi. As crown prince, Ueda was present. Ueda tried not
to sigh; Shikayko had this conversation with the Empress at least twice a day
since she had arrived on Miyagi Prime.

"What sons are those?" The Empress sighed.

"My brother's were sent to this planet as gifts for your
daughter." Shikayko told her. "There has been no marriage."

"On the contrary, there has been a marriage." The Empress told
her. "My nephew has married your brother."

"Gotsu does not recognize the marriage of Prince Maru to the
security guard."

"The security guard is a member of the Impearl house of
Miyagi." The Empress reminded her.

"It is illegal for male Gotsu citizens to marry men!" Shikayko
was not very happy.

"Prince Ueda, can you show our guest the papers?" The Empress
ordered.

"As you can read," The Empress said. "Your brothers have
asked for sanctuary."

"Refuse it!" Shikayko ordered.

"The right of sanctuary is a fundamental right in the Galactic
constitution." The empress said nonplussed. "They have asked, and
have been granted sanctuary."

"You can't do that!" She said hotly.

"You of course are welcome to attend the wedding of Junnosuke to the
crown prince." The empress said with a smile.

****************************

Ohkura wasn't too sure about the tunnels. They seemed to go on forever.
Basically they were service tunnels. But the four who where born on Miyagi
seemed so sure, as if they had traveled the tunnels many times.

He felt someone touch his hand. It was Shota. He had hidden for so long
as Shota's lover, it felt strange for him to be touched by him around others.
He unconsciously froze.

Then Shota moved his hand away. Softly he said. "Gomen,"

"I'm still afraid that she'll catch us together." Ohkura
confessed.

"It's all right, I understand," Shota told him. That should
have made Ohkura feel better, but it didn't.

Hina and Yoko were holding hands just a few paces away. Subaru and
Maruyama were leading the escape.

The only one without a partner was Ryo. He swore up and down that he
didn't like men. All he wanted was a nice woman that didn't beat him too much.
The other members of his unit thought he was a little bit crazy for feeling
that way.

"You two are bakas." Ryo groaned. He grabbed Hina's hand and
Ohkura's hand. Then put their hands together. "It doesn't matter if you
touch. We wont' tell anyone!"

Shota looked up to Ohkura. "He's right."

Ohkura had to agree, that he felt better when Shota was holding his hand.
These tunnels were strange. He was afraid they would get lost.

"Where are we going?" Maruyama asked

"We'll try the crown princes quarters." Subaru told him.

"The crown prince?" he repeated. "You mean the one that
looks like a girl?"

"How do you know he won't turn us in?" Yoko asked.

"Because he won't." Hina told him.

The friends kept on walking. All of them hoping that they would find the
right door. The door that leads to freedom.